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In the bustling shopping areas of Wangfujing, Xidan, Qianmen, and Dongsi one can find classic Beijing wares, and in the newer more trendy shopping strips of Gulou and Nanluoguxiang, shoppers are delighted to find small shops selling eclectic ranges of traditional fashion, accessories and random knick-knacks that are as beautiful now as they were then.

So, whether you’re looking for present ideas, or you just want to sprinkle your life with a little traditional chic, the following seven shops sell beautiful, top quality wares that you most likely won’t find anywhere else.

This small shop opened by several young Beijing rockers sells a mind boggling array of handmade notebooks. Granted, while they’re not “old” in the strictest sense of the word, their designs are clearly inspired by traditional motifs and propaganda posters. With its location on Yandai Xiejie just off the popular leisure spot, Houhai, the young rock and rollers produce notepads in hundreds of different designs, from traditional paintings and calligraphy, to bronze rubbings and cloth. Another product to look out for is their range of paper lamps and tin cups.

Despite Beijing being home to hundreds of tailors, there is something comforting about Ruifuxiang; perhaps it’s the fact that this laozihao or ‘time honored brand’ has been on the same spot on Wangfujing for decades. With its fine selection of silk and top class tailors, Ruifuxiang is one of the city’s best places to get traditional Chinese tailored goods such as jackets and Qipao skirts.

This tiny shop tucked down a little alleyway (hutong) off Beijing’s fashionable Nanluoguxiang sells some of the classiest handmade embroideries in the capital. With colours and designs inspired by Old Beijing, the clothes and accessories here make a perfect keepsake or souvenir.

Ruoshuitang sell beautiful vintage hand-made oil umbrellas. Coated in a layer of tung oil to make them waterproof, these parasols are as durable as they are stunning. With prices ranging from 100-300 RMB per umbrella, Ruoshuitang store on Gulou Dong Dajie are true gems.

Although Nanluoguxiang is peppered with shops that sell quirky knick-knacks, this shop’s old fashioned wind-up tin toys stand out. Hopping frogs sell for as little as 10 RMB, while drumming panda bears (pictured above) sell for around 35 RMB. No matter how old you are, this shop is bound to have something you like.

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All comments are subject to moderation by eChinacities.com staff. Because we wish to encourage healthy and productive dialogue we ask that all comments remain polite, free of profanity or name calling, and relevant to the original post and subsequent discussion. Comments will not be deleted because of the viewpoints they express, only if the mode of expression itself is inappropriate. Please use the Classifieds to advertise your business and unrelated posts made merely to advertise a company or service will be deleted.